This post summarizes recent extreme weather across North America: unprecedented September heat in Canada that has set new regional records and worsened an already severe wildfire season. A destructive hailstorm also battered parts of the US Midwest.
As a scientist with three decades of experience watching climate and weather trends, I explain what happened, why it matters, and what these events imply for the near future.
Unprecedented September heat across Canada
In early September, western Canada experienced exceptional temperatures that broke long-standing seasonal norms. These highs are not isolated blips — they are signals of shifting weather patterns that interact with longer-term climate trends.
Record temperatures in Lytton and Ashcroft
On Tuesday, Lytton climbed to 40°C (104°F), matching the previous national high for September. The following day, Ashcroft pushed the envelope further, registering 40.8°C — a new Canadian high for the month.
This marks only the third time temperatures above 40°C have been recorded in September in Canada. These readings are highly unusual for the calendar.
Amplified wildfire risk and transatlantic smoke
These extreme September temperatures followed an intensely hot, dry summer that exacerbated Canada’s wildfire crisis. The 2025 fire season has now become the country’s second-worst on record, trailing only the catastrophic 2023 season when roughly 17 million hectares burned.
As fires intensified, smoke plumes were lofted high into the atmosphere and transported across the Atlantic. Skies were dimmed in parts of Britain.
Destructive hailstorm in the US Midwest
While Canada grappled with heat and smoke, parts of the US Midwest faced violent convective storms. In midweek, two powerful supercell thunderstorms produced large hail and damaging winds across Kansas and Oklahoma.
Impacts in Kansas and Oklahoma
Storm chasers and radar confirmed two supercells that generated hailstones up to 75 mm (3 in) in diameter, tracking along a roughly 120-mile path. Cities including Wichita and nearby towns reported smashed windscreens and extensive roof damage.
Other impacts to vehicles and structures were also reported. Wind gusts reached around 75 mph (121 km/h) in some areas, compounding the destructive potential.
What these events mean for preparedness and policy
From my vantage point, the juxtaposition of record heat and intense convective storms highlights two realities: extremes are becoming more frequent and varied. Impacts ripple far beyond immediate footprints.
Heat waves drive fire risk and public-health emergencies. Hail and windstorms inflict acute infrastructure and economic losses.
Practical actions include strengthening early-warning systems and prioritizing resilient infrastructure. Expanding prescribed burning and vegetation management where appropriate is also important.
Communities need heat-action plans and storm-hardened building codes. At a policy level, reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains essential to limit the long-term increase in frequency and severity of these hazards.
As climate scientists and practitioners, we must translate these observations into clearer public guidance and policy. Extreme weather is now a persistent challenge requiring sustained scientific attention and societal adaptation.
Here is the source article for this story: Weather tracker: British Columbia breaks Canada’s September heat record